Digital Software Development - T Level
Summary
We are in an increasingly interconnected world with technology pervading all parts of our lives. The digital future we are part of requires highly skilled individuals to design, implement, maintain and innovate, and the demand for software developers will continue to grow. There are jobs today that simply did not exist in the past, enabled by technical innovations and the people that create and consume them.
T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so the content will meet the needs of industry and prepare students for work. They provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door to highly skilled employment, an Apprenticeship or higher-level study, including university.
As technology continues to play a greater role in our world, so software developers will increasingly be in demand. In your career as a software developer you'll build and test high-quality code. This T Level will equip you with the knowledge and the practical experience to set you on track for a successful career in software development. Or you might choose to use your software development skills in a totally different field.
The things you learn on this course, from problem-solving to writing and structuring code, can be used in many different jobs and industry sectors. A software developer will typically be working as part of a larger team, in which they will have responsibility for some of the straightforward elements of the overall project.
If you love making things, and learning how things work in the world around us, a Software Development T Level may be exactly what you need to get the career of your dreams.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
02 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
2 Years
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
Career opportunities this programme could successfully pursue include:
- Software Development Technician
- Junior Developer
- Junior Web Developer
- Junior Application Developer
- Junior Mobile App Developer
- Junior Games Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- Junior Application Support Analyst
- Junior Programmer
- Assistant Programmer
- Automated Test Developer
Next steps at B&FC
Having completed the Digital Software Development T Level, students can progress onto either of the following options:
Option 1
Computer Science Certificate of Higher Education
Leading to FdSc (Level 5) & BSc Hons (Level 6) pathways in
- Cyber Security
- Network Engineering
- Software Engineering (Game Development)
- DevOps
- AI and Machine Learning
Option 2
Digital Enterprise Certificate of Higher Education
Leading to FdSc (Level 5) & BSc Hons (Level 6) pathways in
- Data Analytics
- User Experience
- Web Technologies
- Esports Management
Alternatively your may be able to secure a higher or degree apprenticeship in the computing sector which would then enable you to study one of the four BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship pathways (Network Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Software Engineer or Data Analyst).
Key information
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs grade 4+ (or equivalent) including English and Maths OR Level 2 qualification in related subject and English and Maths at grade 4 or above.
Plus
- A successful interview with a tutor
- The ability to study independently
- A genuine interest in the subject
- Good communication skills
- Hardworking approach towards the industry
Qualification obtained
T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Software DevelopmentFees and funding
Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.
If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.
Extra costs and equipment
No specialised hardware and software is required but you would be expected to have access to a computer with internet access.
Trips will be offered but these will not be required for the course and may be partly subsidised by the college.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: Pearson
Regulatory Body: Ofsted
Terms and conditions
Read our full terms and conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
Essential skills: English and Maths
All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
You will be required to complete an industry placement with an employer, which will last for a minimum of 45 working days (between 315 – 420 hours)
Industry Placements are managed by an appointed Workplace Co-ordinator within the curriculum area who maintains liaisons with employers, performs visits and logs required documents such as insurance.
How will I learn?
Year 1
You will learn about the following topics:
- Problem solving
- Programming
- Emerging issues and impact of digital (AI, AR and VR)
- Legislation and regulatory requirements
- Business context
- Data
- Digital environments
- Security
Core content focuses on your knowledge and understanding of contexts, concepts, theories, principles and core skills relevant to a software developer.
This could include, where appropriate, assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the route and the pathway.
Year 2
You will experience the life of a software developer, working on real life development projects, following the full software lifecycle from design through to testing.
The specialism focuses on software development specific skills which include:
- Analyse a problem to define requirements and acceptance criteria aligned to user needs
- Design, implement and test software
- Change, maintain and support software
- Create solutions in a social and collaborative environment
- Discover, evaluate and apply reliable sources of knowledge
- Apply ethical principles and manage risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements when developing software
Your programmes will include the following mandatory elements:
- A ‘core’ set of underpinning knowledge, concepts and skills, tailored for your chosen occupation
- Specialist training covering industry-specific skills
- An industry placement with an employer, which will last for a minimum of 45 working days (between 315 – 420 hours)
Teaching and learning differs for each element, with practical topics incorporating a summative assignment that results in product creation.
Students are initially supported by demonstrations and walkthroughs and later by a workshop/individual focus intended to foster creativity.
Modules are delivered by subject specialists with industry experience.
Facilities and resources are regularly updated to improve your experience in college and online to match the needs of the course.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
The core content (year 1) is assessed through an examination and a practical employer-set project.
The specialism (year 2) is assessed through a practical time based project.